Candidates for this position must have passed the relevant United Nations Competitive Examination for English Translators/Précis-writers.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the English Translation Service of the Documentation Division, Department for General Assembly and Conference Management and the incumbent reports to the Chief of the Service.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Reviser will be responsible for the following duties:- translates texts and revises translations and original summary records dealing with subjects of an exceptionally sensitive, complex or technical nature; directs terminological research within the Service; counsels and assists revisers and translators, as required, both at and away from Headquarters; assists the Chief of Service in the preparation of instructions, in monitoring the quality of in-house and contractual translations, in the training of staff, and in programming the daily and long-term work of the Service; serves as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Chief of Service; and performs other related duties, as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:
Ability to demonstrate excellent writing and analytical skills. Ability to maintain the highest standard of accuracy, consistency and faithfulness to the spirit, style and nuances of the original text. Knowledge of terminological and reference research techniques with ability to use all sources of information. Knowledge of a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations, i.e. political, social, legal, economic, financial, administrative, scientific and technical. Ability to demonstrate the highest level of versatility, judgement and discretion, tact and negotiating skills. Familiarity with the range of issues relating to management of the Translation Services. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings;

Accountability:
Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Leadership:
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Managing Performance:
Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly;

Education

A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of experience in translation, précis-writing and revision (with at least four years of revision) and use of relevant computer software, electronic tools and databases, of which eight preferably should have been in the United Nations. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Languages

A thorough command of English, which must be the candidate's main language, and an excellent knowledge of at least two other official languages of the United Nations as tested by the United Nations Language Competitive Examination.

Assessment

Qualified applicants may be invited to take a substantive test which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.